A nursery open day is a great way to help you find out a little bit more about where your little one will be taken care of. It will give parents the chance to take a look at the facilities, the activities on offer and meet the wider team. It’s also a great chance to ask those all-important questions first-hand. Just so you’re extra prepared before choosing your nursery, we’ve pulled together a list of the most important questions for you to ask the team.
Questions to ask when visiting a nursery
Take a look at our eight most important questions to ask during your nursery visit to help you ensure a safe, nurturing and enriching environment for your little one.
What’s your staff to child ratio?
Once you have found a nursery that you like for your child, you should check the staff-to-child ratio, as this is vital for your child’s wellbeing and quality of care. As a rule, a lower ratio, such as one adult for every four or five children, allows for more individualised attention and supervision.
If the nursery has a higher ratio, this could limit the attention each child receives. Therefore, asking about the staff-to-child ratio is crucial during nursery visits, as it provides valuable insights into the level of personalised care your child can expect and helps you make an informed decision about their early education and development.
What are the qualifications of the nursery practitioners?
Don’t be ashamed to also ask the staff about their childcare qualifications.
Trained and qualified practitioners typically have relevant certifications in early childhood education, first aid and child development. These credentials will indicate their ability to provide appropriate care, guidance and educational support to young children.
Knowing the qualifications of the nursery practitioners will offer you peace of mind that your child is in capable hands, receiving a high standard of care and an enriching early learning experience that supports their developmental needs.
What activities do the children do on a regular basis?
Understanding the activities on offer each day is crucial for assessing the nursery’s educational value and suitability for your child. You should make sure to ask about the daily routines and extracurricular activities. These should be a well-rounded mix of age-appropriate activities, such as structured learning, creative play, outdoor exploration, and social interactions to foster their holistic development.
That said, the activities on offer should align with your child’s needs and interests, ensuring they have a stimulating and enjoyable experience that promotes both learning and social skills in a nurturing environment.
How does the nursery help to support their learning?
Finding out more about how the nursery will support your child’s learning is paramount in your choice of setting. So, look for educational strategies that promote cognitive, social and emotional development.
The best nurseries will put on activities that will stimulate curiosity, critical thinking and creativity. They should also encourage positive peer interactions and provide a safe, structured environment.
Ask about the day-to-day activities, teaching methods, and staff qualifications to ensure that the nursery is dedicated to fostering a strong foundation for your child’s lifelong learning journey while nurturing their overall growth and wellbeing.
What are the meal times and can they meet specific dietary requirements?
It’s absolutely essential that you choose a nursery that prioritises your child’s health, and so asking about the nursery’s mealtime schedules and dietary accommodations should be an important question. You should also inquire about the timing of meals and snacks to ensure they align with your child’s needs and routines. Additionally, try to discuss specific dietary requirements, such as allergies or dietary restrictions, and ask how the nursery accommodates these needs.
A nursery that can adapt its menu and meal plans to meet individual dietary requirements ensures that your child receives safe and nutritious meals, supporting their health and overall development.
What safeguarding policies are in place?
Your child’s safety should be the number one priority of the nursery, and a good nursery should have clear and comprehensive safeguarding policies that demonstrate its commitment to creating a secure environment where children are protected from harm, both physically and emotionally. So, make sure to inquire about their procedures for child protection, staff background checks and emergency protocols. Ask how they handle incidents, as well as how they communicate with parents. This should provide parents with peace of mind, knowing that their child is in a nurturing and safe setting that prioritises their welfare.
How do you manage children’s behaviour?
Another question to ask the nursery is how they manage the children’s behaviour. A nursery that focuses on constructive and supportive approaches fosters a culture of respect, cooperation and self-regulation, helping children learn and thrive in a harmonious atmosphere. In fact, it is key for a child’s overall development and their ability to build positive relationships with peers and caregivers. That said, ask how they address challenging behaviours and promote social and emotional development.
How do you keep me informed of my child’s progress?
We understand that parents want to know how their little one is getting on, and the best nurseries should maintain an open channel of communication, providing insights into your child’s growth, achievements and areas of improvement. You could ask them whether they will inform you on any developmental milestones and daily activities, and are these done in parent-teacher meetings, regular reports, or other opportunities for a discussion.
With dedicated staff, comprehensive learning experiences, and a commitment to holistic development, your child’s journey is in capable hands at one of our nurseries. Contact our team today at Monkey Puzzle to find out more.
